More Surgery Today for Burn Victim

Burn victim Michael Halsell was scheduled to undergo surgery again this morning as doctors continue removing dead and dying tissue from his body.

Doctors at the Grossman Burn Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital planned to operate today on Michael’s arms, shoulders, sides and back, hospital spokesman Larry Weinberg said.

“He’s losing tissue, and it needs to be removed before it becomes infected,” Weinberg said.

Michael, 17, was rushed to the center March 11 after an accident atop an Edison tower left him with third-degree burns over 85% of his body. He had been rappelling off the tower, which carries high-voltage power lines over the Conejo Grade, when he was shocked by a blast of electricity that set his clothes on fire.

Since then, he has remained at the burn center in extremely critical condition. Doctors have already performed two operations to remove dead tissue and have also grafted new skin, grown in a lab, onto Michael’s face.

Michael’s classmates at Newbury Park High School have rallied to his aid. At 7:30 tonight, students will present a benefit performance of the play, “I’ll Be Back Before Midnight,” with proceeds from the $5 tickets going to help pay Michael’s medical expenses.

And Saturday, the school will host a fund-raising martial arts performance. Starting at 7:30 p.m., students of Bill Poett’s Martial Arts America will demonstrate weapons and sparring techniques in the school’s gymnasium. Tickets cost $2 per person and $5 per family.